Testimony continues in South Park school hearing

July 29, 2009 6:02 PM
Ashley Rodrigue

Is it protected because of it history?

That's the question at the heart of the debate about whether the old South Park school in Beaumont should be repaired or replaced. And that's the question at the heart of day two of a hearing to decide the building's fate.

When the injunction hearing was first approved, District Judge Bob Wortham said he agreed to hear the case because the Beaumont Heritage Society claimed the district did not follow proper guidelines for dealing with buildings deemed historic landmarks.

Today's testimony from the Beaumont Heritage Society established the building's historic significance, but confirmed that the building is not a registered or designated landmark.

The $27 million project to build a new South Park Middle School is part of the $389 million dollar bond voters approved in November of 2007.

The Beaumont Heritage Society is suing the school district to prevent the school's planned demolition.

Other testimony today included a wrap up by BISD Superintendent Carrol Thomas. He addressed the final factors that went into deciding that the old South Park building would be demolished.

But at the end of the day, attorneys from both sides said they were successful in proving South Park's importance.

The restraining order has been extended through tomorrow. The hearing resumes in the morning.

--5 p.m. update--

A judge is hearing more testimony Wednesday in a case that could determine the fate of the old South Park High School building.

The Beaumont Heritage Society wants Judge Bob Wortham to issue an injunction to prevent the demolition of the building, which has been used as a middle school.

The group claims the district lied to voters who approved a $398 million bond issue to build and repair schools.

The Heritage Society says the building has historic significance and it says the district isn't making the best use of tax dollars by tearing it down.

The executive director of the Heritage Society testified Wednesday that the school doesn't have a historic designation.

BISD Superintendent Dr. Carrol Thomas spent most of Tuesday on the stand.

He was questioned about changes in plans for the South Park building.

The attorney for the Heritage Society is trying to prove that the school district misled voters about its intentions.

The attorney for BISD says the district was clear that it planned to tear down South Park.

Beaumont Chamber of Commerce President Jim Rich and engineer Sina Nejad testified Wednesday.

6 News reporter Ashley Rodrigue is covering the hearing.


http://www.kfdm.com/news/school-33162-building-heritage.html